Maligne Melanome am Auge des Erwachsenen

Malignant melanomas are the most frequent pernicious eye tumours in adults. This article reviews some selected characteristics of these tumours. There are three different manifestations of ocular melanoma: melanoma of the eyelid, melanoma of the conjunctiva, and uveal melanoma. Eyelid melanomas behave clinically and biologically like cutaneous melanomas. Conjunctival melanomas are rare and are commonly associated with a primary acquired melanosis of the conjunctiva or with conjunctival naevi. Their treatment comprises excision, brachytherapy and adjuvant local treatment. Melanoma of the uvea is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumour in adults. The diagnosis of choroidal melanoma is based on clinical investigation. Radiotherapy is the standard treatment for this tumour type, although combined treatment modalities including surgical excision are applied in special cases like huge tumours. Conservation of the bulb and maintenance of the best possible visual performance are the secondary goals of the treatment strategy, beside the primary goal to minimize the risk for metastasis.